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Massive protest rally in support of Dr KC

Social activists and supporters of Dr Govinda KC participate in a protest rally from Maitighar Mandala to New Baneshwor in Kathmandu on Saturday to express solidarity with the fasting surgeon. Dr KC has been staging an indefinite hunger strike at the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences in Jumla for the past two weeks. KESHAV THAPA

Jul 15, 2018-

A protest rally in Kathmandu comprising doctors, politicians, students, celebrities and professionals on Saturday put pressure on the government to comply with Dr Govinda KC’s demand for reforms in medical education.

Dr KC is on an indefinite hunger strike at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) in Jumla since last Saturday.

The rally started at Maitighar Mandala and marched towards New Baneshwor. The protesters shouted anti government slogans, accused it of authoritarianism, and tacitly supporting medical mafia.

The protesters warned the government of launching another mass movement for consistently ignoring Dr KC’s demand to reform medical education.Dr KC, on the 15th day of indefinite hunger strike, released an audio recording from Karnali. His recorded message says he will not come to Kathmandu. He fears foul play and that the government might break his hunger strike. He mentioned Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) as an example of betrayal.

“Eight years ago KAHS was allowed to start medical courses, but it never happened. I am undergoing hunger strike in Jumla so that government will take proper measures for medical services in remote areas of the country,” said Dr KC.

The government has been accused of tampering with the Mathema Commission report on new medical education policy that gives benefits to medical stakeholders with political patronage.

Tribhuvan University (TU) Ex Vice Chancellor and the head of the Mathema Commission Prof. Kedar Bhakta Mathema has alleged government meddling in the ordinance.“If the current ordinance passes, the members of the ruling party would start protesting against their own government once they know the details. The voice of the voiceless Dr KC’s demand should be addressed soon,” said Mathema, adding, the proposed ordinance will benefit only the coterie that is close to the government.

Opposition party Nepali Congress (NC) has repeatedly said it will not allow the Parliament to pass the new ordinance.

NC member and Ex-health Minister Gagan Thapa has urged the Oli government not to practice autocracy with privilege of enjoying majority; especially on issues they have no knowledge.

“Medical experts have prepared the ordinance. We politicians are not experts in this field. Therefore, the ordinance must be presented and implemented in its original form,” said Thapa. He slammed the rise in the number of medical colleges in Kathmandu Valley. This would neither make the nation prosperous nor stop students from going abroad, he said.

Nepal Medical Association (NMA) President Dr Mukti Ram Shrestha warned any further delay in addressing Dr KC’s demands would compel them to suspend general medical services throughout the country.“We request the public to support us in this campaign as it benefits all,” said Dr Shrestha. Bibeksheel Sajha Party (BSP) leader Sashi Bikram Karki warned the government to address the demands of Dr KC before anything happens to him because hunger strike

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